Discover the key differences between membrane and mechanical keyboards. We break down how each works, the pros and cons of both and which type might suit your setup best, whether you want budget-friendly simplicity or premium typing performance.

Mechanical Keyboards vs Membrane Keyboards: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

If you’ve only ever used the keyboard that came with your laptop or desktop, it was probably a membrane keyboard. They’re affordable and everywhere. Mechanical keyboards earn their fanbase for feel, sound and longevity. This beginner friendly guide explains the essentials so you can pick the right keyboard for work, typing or gaming.

What Is a Membrane Keyboard?

A membrane keyboard uses a rubber dome or pressure pad under each key. Pressing down squishes the dome onto a circuit to register the keypress. This design keeps costs low and noise down, which is why most bundled keyboards are membranes.

Why people like them: - Affordable - Widely available - Lightweight - Generally quieter

Where they fall short: - Softer, “mushy” feel - Shorter lifespan - Limited repair or customisation

What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards use individual switches under every key. Each press feels crisp and consistent, and switches are rated for tens of millions of presses. They’re often considered the best keyboards for typing and are very popular as gaming keyboards too.

Why people upgrade: - Precise feel - Excellent durability - Huge customisation (switches, keycaps, lighting, mods)

Potential downsides: - Higher price - Can be louder - Usually heavier

A Quick Look at Switch Types

Linear — smooth from top to bottom; fast, popular for gaming
Tactile — a gentle bump for feedback; great for typing
Clicky — a bump with an audible click; satisfying but noisy

We’ll cover these in more detail in our beginner’s guide to mechanical switches.

Mechanical vs Membrane: The Big Picture

Feature	Membrane Keyboard	Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel	Soft, “mushy”	Crisp, precise
Durability	~5–10 million presses	50+ million presses
Noise	Quiet to dull	Quiet → loud (switch dependent)
Customisation	Very limited	Extensive (keycaps, switches)
Price	£10–£40	£50–£300+
Maintenance	Replace when worn	Repairable, mod-friendly

What Do They Have in Common?

Both handle typing, work, and gaming
Both come in full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact layouts
Both can include RGB lighting, media controls, or wrist rests

Which Keyboard Should You Buy?

Choose Membrane if:
You want something quiet and inexpensive that works straight away.

Choose Mechanical if:
You type or game often, want better comfort and longevity, or enjoy customising your setup.

For many people, mechanical ends up the better long-term buy. If cost or noise is a concern, membrane is still absolutely fine.

Final Thoughts

So, which is better: mechanical or membrane keyboards? It depends on what you value. Membrane keyboards are practical and cheap. Mechanical keyboards offer a premium feel, stronger performance, and longer life. If you’re curious, try a mechanical keyboard once — you might not want to go back.

FAQs

Are mechanical keyboards always loud?
No. Linear and some tactile switches are fairly quiet. Clicky switches are the loud ones.

Do I need to spend over £100 for a good mechanical keyboard?
No. There are solid entry-level options around £50–£80.

Are membrane keyboards bad for gaming?
They’re not bad, but mechanical keyboards usually feel faster and more precise, which is why most gaming keyboards are mechanical.

Can I make a mechanical keyboard quieter?
Yes. Silent switches, O-rings, and internal dampening can reduce noise while keeping the feel.

💡 Tip: If you spend hours every day typing or gaming, a mechanical keyboard isn’t just about the sound or style, it’s an investment in comfort and durability.